Music as Prayer
In life's most sacred moments, music becomes prayer and touches the soul of those who listen
Church weddings in the province of Ragusa: a town-by-town guide
The province of Ragusa is the heart of Sicilian baroque: towns rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake with stairways, domes and façades of golden stone, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Around them lie the plateau of dry-stone walls, the gorges and a coast of long, pale beaches. Maestro Ilarion, tenor and pianist, has sung in almost every church in Sicily, including here. This guide, town by town, is for anyone looking for church wedding music in the province of Ragusa.
The programme of hymns is always agreed with the parish priest. For the pieces for each moment of the Mass, read the guide to church wedding songs; for the whole of south-eastern Sicily there is also the page on the wedding tenor in Syracuse, Noto and Ragusa.
Ragusa and Ragusa Ibla
Ragusa. A city on two hills: upper Ragusa, more modern, and Ragusa Ibla, one of the most beautiful baroque villages in Italy, with its stairways and lanes running down into the valley. Marrying in Ibla means stepping onto a film set: many know it as one of the settings of Inspector Montalbano. The baroque churches have generous acoustics that welcome an operatic voice.
Marina di Ragusa. The city's seaside resort, with its promenade and beaches. Summer weddings, with a reception on the coast at sunset.
Modica and Scicli
Modica. The town of chocolate, divided between Modica Alta and Modica Bassa and joined by monumental stairways. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the best-loved places for weddings in the Hyblaean baroque.
Scicli. A small baroque jewel at the foot of the rocks, also UNESCO-listed and a set of Inspector Montalbano. Intimate, elegant weddings, with squares coming alive as the couple comes out.
Comiso, Vittoria and Acate
Comiso and Vittoria. The towns of the plain towards the sea, home of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily's only DOCG wine. Large, lively communities, family weddings with many guests.
Acate. The castle town, among vineyards and countryside, for weddings with a rural flavour.
Chiaramonte Gulfi, Monterosso Almo and Giarratana
Chiaramonte Gulfi. The "balcony of Sicily", perched on the Hyblaean mountains, with a view that reaches the sea. Land of olive oil and intimate villages.
Monterosso Almo and Giarratana. The highest towns of the Hyblaean mountains, among woods and plateaus. Intimate weddings, where the whole village takes part in the celebration.
The coast: Santa Croce Camerina, Pozzallo and Ispica
Santa Croce Camerina and Punta Secca. The fishing village with the lighthouse, famous as Inspector Montalbano's house by the sea. Coastal weddings, with the sea a few steps away.
Pozzallo. The port from which ships leave for Malta, with a long beach and a lively seafront.
Ispica. The town of the Cava d'Ispica, a valley carved into the rock full of caves and history, with an elegant baroque centre.
Stories from south-eastern Sicily
- Wedding flash mob Ragusa: surprise for the newlyweds
- Church ceremony music in Syracuse: Ortigia and Noto
- Wedding flash mob Syracuse: surprise for the newlyweds
- Tenor for a wedding in Sicily: a gift that moves the heart
What couples say
Testimonials translated from Italian.
Truly wonderful musical accompaniment for our ceremony. His voice is extraordinary and created a moving, special atmosphere. Everyone loved it, both us and our guests. An experience we will remember with great pleasure.
Stefania F.
An astonishing voice. He sang at my wedding and I can only say thank you: he moved everyone and, with his singing, helped make my special day perfect.
Emanuele Basile
We chose Corrado to accompany the celebration of our wedding and we are deeply grateful. His voice, intense and full of sensitivity, turned every hymn into a true prayer, helping us and our guests live the sacrament with recollection and emotion. With professionalism, discretion and great faith he made the liturgy even more intense. Heartfelt thanks for giving voice to our prayer on the most beautiful day of our lives.
Ketty
Would you like to hear the voice that will sing in your church?
Listen to Maestro Ilarion live in church. Then send us the town, the church and the date: we'll reply with availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the tenor sing in village churches in the province of Ragusa?
Yes. Maestro Ilarion has sung in almost every church in Sicily, including the province of Ragusa: Ragusa and Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Comiso, Vittoria, Ispica, Pozzallo and the Hyblaean villages. Give the town, church and date to check availability.
What changes for the music in the baroque churches of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli?
Baroque churches are very resonant: the voice must be measured so the words stay clear, and the choice of piece matters. Gounod's Ave Maria opens up under the domes, Schubert's stays more intimate. The rehearsal before the ceremony serves exactly to adapt the music to the church.
Does the tenor also sing at a masseria or seaside reception?
Yes: voice and piano during the aperitif, an aria at the couple's entrance and a romanza at the cutting of the cake. For masserie among dry-stone walls and seaside venues, space, sound system and times are checked in advance.
Does the tenor work with foreign couples in the province of Ragusa?
Yes, the Hyblaean baroque and the places of Inspector Montalbano attract many foreign couples. The Maestro works remotely, introduces the pieces in several languages and coordinates with wedding planners.
How far in advance should you book the tenor in the province of Ragusa?
For dates between May and September it's best to book at least six months ahead, especially in Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli, which are in high demand. Just give the town, church, date and time to check availability.